She Strengthens

The Ultimate Macaroni Masterpiece: A Rich and Crunchy Delight

A Game-Changing Twist on a Classic Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, macaroni and cheese is often at the top of the list. But what if you could take this beloved dish to the next level? By incorporating three types of cheese and a crunchy panko bread crumb topping, you’ll create a rich and satisfying masterpiece that’s sure to impress.

The Secret to Success: Crunchy Panko Bread Crumbs

The key to this recipe lies in the combination of textures. The panko bread crumbs add a delightful crunch to the dish, while the three cheeses provide a velvety richness. It’s a match made in heaven!

Yield and Prep Time

This recipe yields 8 servings and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare, with 30 minutes of active cooking time.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large elbow macaroni
• 8 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound white Cheddar, shredded
• 4 ounces Romano, shredded
• 4 ounces Asiago, shredded
• 2 cups Panko (Japanese) bread crumbs

Cooking the Macaroni

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. In a large pot filled with water, add 3 pinches of salt and the macaroni. Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Let cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Creating the Cheesy Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt 8 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle 6 tablespoons of flour over the butter and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat, whisking until a roux or paste forms. Add 3 cups of cold milk and whisk vigorously until dissolved. Cook the sauce on medium-low heat until thick and bubbly. Add 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 pound of white Cheddar, 4 ounces of Romano, and 4 ounces of Asiago. Cook until the cheeses are fully melted, stirring occasionally. Season with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper.

Assembling the Masterpiece

In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix in 2 cups of panko bread crumbs until the butter is thoroughly absorbed. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture and mix thoroughly. Place the macaroni mixture in a 13 by 9 baking dish and top with the bread crumb mixture. Place in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

The Final Touch: A Crispy Topping

For an extra crispy topping, place the dish under the broiler after baking until the bread crumbs turn golden brown. This step is highly recommended for a truly show-stopping result.

Get Ready to Impress!

With its rich, cheesy sauce and crunchy panko bread crumb topping, this macaroni masterpiece is sure to become a family favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your loved ones!